crabbing

American  

[krab-ing] / ˈkræb ɪŋ /

noun

1. the activity or occupation of fishing for crabs. crab.

2. a finishing process for reducing shrinkage and creasing of woolens and worsteds by stretching the fabric on a rotating cylinder and immersing in hot or, sometimes, cold water.

3. Aeronautics. the maneuver of heading partly into the wind to compensate for drift.

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Etymology

Origin of crabbing

First recorded in 1870–75; crab ¹ + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

A fundraiser set up in Meadows’ name described the deckhand from Montesano, Wash., as a father to “three amazing little boys” who died “while doing what he loved — crabbing out on Alaskan waters.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

Mr Walsh, who described himself as a "dabhand at handling crabs" after taking his kids crabbing on their holidays, said he gave the creature "a little stroke" and could see it was still moving.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2025

The earliest that commercial crabbing could begin in the far north would be Dec. 16, state officials said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 19, 2023

When McArthur and Burris were filming the “Marsh Ruins,” they fielded warnings from the men crabbing on the pier.

From New York Times • Jul. 29, 2023

“We’re coming in from crabbing early these hot mornings,” he blabbed.

From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson